Wednesday, March 17, 2004
In PC heaven
If you're strong on being politically correct, you'll love New Zealand. It's a PC heaven. Here are a few recent examples:
A small town has banned children from sitting on Santa's knee because organisers fear liability if anything goes wrong. Instead, children in the South Island town of Mosgiel would be asked to sit next to him, on specially decorated "elf chairs", as they discuss their Christmas wish list.
Marlborough school students are missing out on outdoor activities because of the risk of teachers being sued if a student is injured. College principal Greta Firth said safety in education guidelines had led to the school canning caving, kayaking and white water rafting because she did not want to leave teachers in a position where they might be personally liable.
Progressive MP Matt Robson wants MPs to replace the parliamentary prayer with a statement reflecting the secular status of the House and the "diverse and multicultural" nature of New Zealand. The prayer has been read at the beginning of each sitting since 1854.
Parliamentary staff are permitted to take work time to attend morning karakia and waiata (Maori prayer and song). at Says National MP Judith Collins, "I think it's fine if people want to say prayers and sing songs for stress relief or their own personal development, but it's ridiculous that all staff at parliament can drop tools and go to this in work time. The Parliamentary Service is saying that this is 'part of learning about different cultures' so when do our Indian, Samoan, Scottish or Chinese get their morning prayer or stress session?"
A fine old Kiwi tradition of "bringing a plate" (of food) for afternoon tea is under threat in Horowhenua. The local District Council has been discussing a bylaw that would require all premises where food was prepared to employ someone with a food-handling certificate. That idea has raised the ire of Levin club member Maura Blair. "This is just ridiculous. All we do is provide ... afternoon tea. Now they expect one of us to go to Massey or some bloody place and get a food-handling licence."
Otago University now has to consult with the Ngai Tahu tribe on all research.
A teachers' policy of avoiding physical contact with children is under review after new research found a vicious circle of self-surveillance and anxiety. University of Auckland education lecturer Alison Jones interviewed 55 primary school teachers and principals on their reluctance to touch children because of widespread social anxiety about sexual abuse. The teachers reported wet and naked children wandering out of pool changing rooms looking for help in getting dressed, and girls lying prone on sports fields while male teachers sent children to find a female to help. "In many instances, female teachers have had to be called away from their own groups to assist male colleagues afraid to touch or be alone with a child," Dr Jones said.
If you're strong on being politically correct, you'll love New Zealand. It's a PC heaven. Here are a few recent examples:
A small town has banned children from sitting on Santa's knee because organisers fear liability if anything goes wrong. Instead, children in the South Island town of Mosgiel would be asked to sit next to him, on specially decorated "elf chairs", as they discuss their Christmas wish list.
Marlborough school students are missing out on outdoor activities because of the risk of teachers being sued if a student is injured. College principal Greta Firth said safety in education guidelines had led to the school canning caving, kayaking and white water rafting because she did not want to leave teachers in a position where they might be personally liable.
Progressive MP Matt Robson wants MPs to replace the parliamentary prayer with a statement reflecting the secular status of the House and the "diverse and multicultural" nature of New Zealand. The prayer has been read at the beginning of each sitting since 1854.
Parliamentary staff are permitted to take work time to attend morning karakia and waiata (Maori prayer and song). at Says National MP Judith Collins, "I think it's fine if people want to say prayers and sing songs for stress relief or their own personal development, but it's ridiculous that all staff at parliament can drop tools and go to this in work time. The Parliamentary Service is saying that this is 'part of learning about different cultures' so when do our Indian, Samoan, Scottish or Chinese get their morning prayer or stress session?"
A fine old Kiwi tradition of "bringing a plate" (of food) for afternoon tea is under threat in Horowhenua. The local District Council has been discussing a bylaw that would require all premises where food was prepared to employ someone with a food-handling certificate. That idea has raised the ire of Levin club member Maura Blair. "This is just ridiculous. All we do is provide ... afternoon tea. Now they expect one of us to go to Massey or some bloody place and get a food-handling licence."
Otago University now has to consult with the Ngai Tahu tribe on all research.
A teachers' policy of avoiding physical contact with children is under review after new research found a vicious circle of self-surveillance and anxiety. University of Auckland education lecturer Alison Jones interviewed 55 primary school teachers and principals on their reluctance to touch children because of widespread social anxiety about sexual abuse. The teachers reported wet and naked children wandering out of pool changing rooms looking for help in getting dressed, and girls lying prone on sports fields while male teachers sent children to find a female to help. "In many instances, female teachers have had to be called away from their own groups to assist male colleagues afraid to touch or be alone with a child," Dr Jones said.
